Group RRC Release for NTN UE Offloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently offloading a large number of user equipment (UEs) connected to one serving cell to another, particularly in non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) with fast-moving satellites, due to the time-consuming nature of individual UE handoffs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a group-based radio resource control (RRC) connection release procedure allows for the simultaneous redirection of multiple UEs to a different frequency layer, enabling the offloading of UEs to neighboring serving cells of another frequency layer or radio access technology (RAT), thereby facilitating network node shutdown for power saving and interference management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If individual UE handoff procedures are used to offload UEs from one serving cell to another, then each UE can be redirected to a different serving cell, but the process becomes time-consuming and inefficient when handling a large number of UEs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual UE handoff procedures into a single group-based RRC connection release message that can simultaneously redirect multiple UEs to different serving cells. This merging of individual operations into a collective operation dramatically reduces the time required for offloading large numbers of UEs, directly resolving the contradiction between handling many UEs and maintaining fast handoff speed.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If multiple UEs are simultaneously switched from RRC connected state to RRC inactive state, then network node shutdown for power saving becomes possible, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual RRC release messages into a single group-based RRC connection release message that can simultaneously switch multiple UEs to RRC inactive state. This consolidation reduces the total signaling overhead compared to sending separate messages to each UE, while still enabling the network node to shutdown for power saving purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The group-based RRC connection release message includes multiple RRC connection suspend configurations, each targeted at specific UEs or UE groups. This segmentation within the group message allows selective configuration for different UEs while maintaining the overall efficiency of group-based messaging, balancing signaling overhead with the ability to perform targeted power saving operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If individual UE redirection is performed in NTNs with fast moving satellites, then each UE can be reassigned to a new serving cell, but the process cannot keep up with the rapid movement and changing satellite coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple UE redirection operations into a single group-based procedure that can simultaneously update serving cell assignments for multiple UEs. This merging enables the system to keep up with rapid satellite movement by processing all necessary redirections in parallel rather than sequentially, directly addressing the speed limitation in fast-moving NTN environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The group-based RRC connection release message can be prepared in advance with pre-calculated serving cell assignments based on predicted satellite positions and coverage areas. This preliminary action allows the system to proactively redirect UEs before they actually need to switch, ensuring seamless connectivity in rapidly changing NTN environments without waiting for individual handoff triggers.
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects of the present disclosure relate to a UE that receives a group RRC release message that is based on a group mobility configuration, the group RRC release message intended for communication to a group of multiple UEs. The UE can switch to a RRC inactive state based in part on a determination that a RRC connection suspend configuration directed to the UE is included in the group RRC release message. The UE can switch to a RRC idle state based in part on a determination that the RRC connection suspend configuration is not included in the group RRC release message. A network entity can generate the group RRC release message with the group mobility configuration, and the group RRC release message is intended for communication to the group of multiple UEs. The network entity can then transmit the group RRC release message to the group of multiple UEs.